On Monday went first to the saltpans. Nothing new but lots of whiskered and white winged black terns. Then came a thunderstorm which we sat out in Theo's taverna in the square. When the storm had passed we drove to the Inland Lake. A couple there had a flat battery but the car was automatic and couldn't be bump started. A passing truck stopped and 'made' some jump leads from a piece of cable, and off they went. A female garganey was on the lake. Drove into the valley from here towards the chapel (metochi). Saw kingfisher in the channel at the side of the track and little bittern every few yards by the water.
On Tuesday drove to the white-throated robin site again, via Parakila/Agra/Mesopotos. Nothing new there since Sunday. The robin hadn't been seen. Then drove into Sigri and to Faronomini ford. Middle-spotted woodpecker and lesser kestrels. We had lunch overlooking the harbour in Sigri then drove back the same wayh. Little owls were perched on two separate buildings. A dozen black-headed buntings landed in bushes and shrubs at the track side. On the drive back there were lots more cars there and 'Alan' showed me how to get the best out of my digital camera. He was amazed that I didn't take photos through the scope and showed me how. Thanks Alan - I'll try that out.
On Wednesday not many birds on the saltpans - black winged stilt of course, and a couple of curlew sandpiper. Lots of terns. A party of 8 red-footed falcons flew in and gave us superb views for 15 mins. Amongst them was a roller (lifer) which landed on the telegraph wires for photos. Drove then over the hills to Petra. We dipped today on the Rupell's warbler. Met two friends who were staying over this side and went with them to Petra reservoir where there were a couple of flamingoes and dozens of yellow-legs. A huge red-rumped swallow had us fooled as it looked a bit like a bee-eater shape as it didn't seem to open it's tail. Then we felt silly wondering how on earth we could have mistaken it for anything else. Then to Molyvos and lunch in the taverna up by the castle.Very windy. Swifts hurtling round us.
Back at Skala Kalloni we found the scops owl near the school.
Thursday was a warm day but started off cloudy. Had sanderling and lots more curlew sandpiper on the saltpans, with crested larks on nearly every fencepost. There were common and little terns on the flooded field at the far end but it was now drying out.
Nothing visible on Parakila marsh. Kept on the main road, passing the minaret which surely will collapse altogether in a year or two - a shame to let it get into such disrepair. Then after some miles took the left turn into 'lunar landscape'. Big army presence on this part of the island. They were camped down by the sea, firing shells into the far hillside.
Cont..........